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Dr Shelly Lachish
Motivated, successful data scientist with experience in both industry and the academic sector. Expertise in the management, analysis, interpretation and presentation of large, complex data. Effective and collaborative communicator. Highly proficient in technical writing, with strong organisational and project management skills. Adaptable, meticulous, diligent, and creative.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy. Disease Ecology.
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2010 - 2005
B.Sc. Ecology/Zoology (1st class Honours)
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Queensland
1999 - 1995
Career Summary
Data Analyst
UK Biobank
University of Oxford
current - 2019
- Provide statistical and analytical support to researchers using the biobank resource and to UKBiobank epidemiologists and programming staff.
- Develop scripts (R, SQL, Bash) to interrogate databases, automate tasks, perform analyses, and generate reports.
- Build data pipelines to incorporate health data from electronic medical records into the UKBiobank resource.
Daphne Jackson Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2019 - 2017
- Conducted original research on topics in ecology, population dynamics, infectious disease.
- Managed, analysed, and interpreted multiple large data sets using cutting-edge statistical and modelling methods.
- Published and presented research papers at conferences and meetings.
- Supervised graduate and postgraduate students.
Research Officer
Department of Population Health
University of Oxford
2017 - 2015
- Published scientific research papers and government reports using data from the 40-year UK Medical Careers survey.
- Developed and maintained data pipelines for processing and analysing survey data.
Science Writer and Editor
Freelance
Oxford, UK
2017 - 2011
- Writing for: Oxford Science Blog, Living Spain Magazine, 72&Rising, Sabotage Times
- Editing for Oxford Science Editing, Edanz, private clients.
Maternity Leave / Full-time Carer
N/A
Oxford, UK
2014
Policy Writer
Mathematical Ecology Research Group
University of Oxford
2013
- Researched policies for regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Produced policy brief for members of DEFRA.
NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2012 - 2010
- Research areas: ecology, evolution, population dynamics, infectious disease dynamics.
- Analysed, interpreted complex data sets using varied statistical modelling methods.
- Published scientific papers and presented research at conferences and meetings.
- Supervised graduate and postgraduate students.
Teaching Experience
Introduction to Text Mining in R (online course)
Department of Population Health
University of Oxford
2021
Stipendiary Biology Tutor
St Hilda’s College
University of Oxford
2019 - 2018
- Subjects taught: Ecology, statistics, epidemiology, conservation, genetics
DPhil Supervisor
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2012 - 2010
- Surpervised: Dr Irem Sepil and Dr Antica Culina
University Tutor: Ecology, statistics, conservation, practicals
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2009 - 2007
Grants and Awards
Daphne Jackson Postdoctoral Fellowship (GBP £82,000)
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2017
NERC Urgency Grant (GBP £60,000)
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2011
Ian Potter Research Grant (AUD $130,000)
School of Zoology
University of Tasmania
2008
Wildlife Disease Association Doctoral Student Award (Value AUD $5,000)
Wildlife Disease Association
Colorado, USA
2007
Australian Wildlife Society Grant (Value $1,500)
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2005
Australian Postgraduate Award ($50,000)
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2005
Invited Seminars
“Wildlife Disease Ecology: from individuals to populations and beyond”
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Montpelier, France
2018
“Understanding an infectious cancer”
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
2018
“The curious case of the disappearing devil” (Steve Irwin Memorial Lecture)
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
2011
“Disease impacts on wild populations”
Zoological Society of London
London, UK
2011
Professional Service
Commitee member: BDI Coding Committee
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
current - 2019
British Ecological Society member
N/A
London, UK
2020 - 2011
Commitee member: Early Career Researcher Network
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2019 - 2017
Volunteering
Volunteer display and event interpreter
Oxford Natural History Museum
Oxford, UK
2014 - 2011
Volunteer science interpreter
Big Bang Science Fair
London, UK
2014
Media
My research has been reported in these media outlets:
TV: George Negus at 6:30, Totally Wild, Radio: BBC Oxford, ABC, 4QR, Print: Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, Sunday Mail
N/A
2019 - 2008